2015-11-10 - P&O Agenda - Item 18, Attach 1&2 - Draft Noosa Shire Local Economic Plan

6.4   Rural Enterprise
      Who:
      Rural enterprises are captured in a number of Australia and New Zealand Standard Industry
      Classifications such as agriculture and manufacturing.
      Locally, businesses that make a significant contribution to the region's rural economy include a
      variety of primary producers and growers across livestock, horticulture, value-added boutique
      products, farmers markets and businesses that provide support services to the sector. For the
      purpose of this Plan, Rural Enterprise consists of businesses involved in production, processing, and
      distribution of food and beverages, and those that provide support services to those businesses.
      What:
      Noosa’s sector has the opportunity to leverage a number of the region's competitive advantages and
      consumer trends:
             Noosa is well known for food
             Noosa Biosphere Reserve status supports clean, green & locally produced food and
              beverages
             there are a growing number of boutique producers
             there is increasing demand for sustainably produced local food and beverages.
      Noosa’s predominantly peri-urban hinterland has a long agricultural history. In recent years there
      has been a shift in agribusiness away from traditional industrial farming to smaller lot and lifestyle
      farms. These take a more environmentally sustainable and lower-scale approach to farming and food
      production.
      This sector is one that could benefit from leveraging the clean, green credentials of the strong Noosa
      brand, the emerging Biosphere brand, and the sustainability aspirations of the region. There is also
      a global trend towards healthy eating, understanding the origins of local food and minimising food
      miles. Anecdotally, local demand may outstrip local supply thus providing an opportunity for
      imports, the development of local distribution hubs and cooperative business models.
      The sector is supported by active networks such as Country Noosa, the Cooroy Chamber of
      Commerce, Slow Food Noosa and an early-stage informal agribusiness network facilitated by
      Council.
      How:
      In collaboration with business, industry and agencies that support the sector, this Plan looks to:
             support increased collaboration and connections
             develop efficient local supply chains
             identify and communicate critical information about the sector
             establish a premier food and beverage brand
             increase employment and training opportunities.

6.5   Environmental Industries
      Who:
      Environmental industries are captured in a number of Australia and New Zealand Standard Industry
      Classifications such as professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, electricity, gas,
      water and wastewater services.
      For the purpose of this Plan, environmental industries include environmental services, energy, water
      and waste services, building materials, engineering and scientific services that support businesses in
      the sector.
      What:
      Environmental Industries:
             strongly align with Noosa Biosphere status
             are a high value, export orientated sector
             are driven by technology and innovation
             provide skilled employment opportunities.
      Environmental industries strongly align with Noosa values, sustainability aspirations and
      demonstrated environmental credentials. Noosa’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status could be
      leveraged to attract world class talent and experienced leaders to develop, research and pilot
      projects that align with the Biosphere status. This sector combines creativity, inventiveness and

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